Thursday, July 30, 2015

One of the best ways to create ambiance is a space is with a fresh take on lighting. Pendents are of course lovely hung in a tall entryway or over a kitchen island but what about hanging them someplace unexpected? I love to use pendants over desks, bedside tables, or in the corner of a sitting room. Hanging pendants are so space efficient, freeing up floor and table top space and add so much warmth and coziness. If you rent or don't want to hard wire for pendants, a plugged in fixture with a swaged cord can look great too!

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Hope all of you are enjoying the dog days of summer! To help you beat the heat, I thought I would share this beautifully breezy beach house. This Cape Cod meets Palm Beach bungalow is the work of designer Anna Burke. She got her start under design icon Celerie Kemble, and Burke captures that preppy, classic style but infuses it with plenty of quirky details. I love all of the collected finds, vintage furniture, exotic textiles and organic textures. The vintage, unique elements are balanced by a calm canvas of simple white floors, white walls, and classic bamboo blinds. The result is casual, inviting spaces that just say summer to me!

Friday, June 5, 2015

Recently I have spotting loads of dramatic flora and fauna wallpapers and the trend has certainly made an impression! These bold patterns are definitely not subtle, but the organic forms and natural shapes help soften these papers and bring a living and vibrant element into any space. I especially love the Victorian inspired feel of the botanical patterns against a dark ground. I think used in the right small space, such as a bath or bedroom nook, and grounded with plenty of solids, these papers are really fantastic!

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Ever since I first spotted her work in Dominoyears ago, I have had a serious style crush on Virginia based designerLauren Liess. I love her fresh, modern take on classic design and how she can make a traditional interior both family friendly and a bit eclectic. I think this home in New Jersey is perfect example - it is so elegant without feeling stuffy or overdone. Like those indigo slipcovers - which are a brilliant and vibrant way to reuse client's chairs and protect them from spills.

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

For a while now I have been spotting (and loving) loads of overdyed vintage inspired rugs! This is a beautiful way to give old, dated persian or oriental rugs a fresh look and I adore the rich, saturated hues they bring. Overdyed rugs, both new and vintage, are perfect for adding texture and a subtle pattern while still feeling like a solid. And I love how they feel both antique and modern at the same moment. As an added bonus, their aged quality is brilliant for hiding stains and wear! From kitchens to bedrooms here are a few of my favorite inspirations . . . . Do you love the look as much as I do?

Below is a kitchen I recently designed, I am crazy for the vibrant greens of the rug against the deep espresso floors!

Here in Singapore you can find some gorgeous {but perhaps pricey!} ones at Xtra Living and Garfunkt now is carrying a line as well. But for a low cost fix check out these at IrugsOnline one can find them here at Urban Outfitters, Anthropolgie and Overstock!